Process safety testing program for reducing risks associated with large scale chemical manufacturing operations

Abstract

The reduction of risks associated with chemical processing operations is essential for the safe operation of chemical plants. The reduction of these risks is accomplished through a comprehensive process safety management program. Key elements of this program include Hazard and Operability Studies, Emergency Relief Venting, Process Automation, Management of Change Control Procedures, Process Specific Training, and so forth. Central to many of these elements is a thorough, in-depth understanding of the reactive nature of chemical processing operations. This understanding can only be obtained through intensive laboratory evalutions using “leading edge” process safety testing technologies. To accomplish this goal, a systematic process safety testing program has been established aimed at characterizing the reactive nature of both the desired and undesired chemistry. The information obtained is directly applicable to the development of intrinsically safe processes and for the safe design/operation of chemical processing facilities.